I'm a long time fan of German cars and DTM racing and was suprised to see that there is a Chrysler 300c competing over seas and doing well against the MB C63, M3, Audi RS4 etc. Have a look...

" Italian-based championship which pits V8-engined Grand Tourers like the BMW M5, Audi RS4, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Jaguar XF, Cadillac CTS-V and the Chrysler 300C in a 10-race season using European circuits. This series has strict regulations which limit the mods that can be done to a car. These regulations thus beget lower maintenance and setup costs and closer racing. Because the performance of each type of car is equalized to a specific power-to-weight ratio, performance is very close. In the case of the Zakspeed 300C, mods to the 6.1-liter V8 were limited to fine-tuning the ECU and fuel injection system, installing lighter pistons and adding a racing exhaust. But because the engine is already a big, brawny V8, those light mods still result in 480 horsepower.

In addition, regulations limit transmissions to a manual gearbox, so although sequential gearboxes can be used, semi-automatic shifting systems are a no-no. The Zakspeed 300C uses a Tremec 6-speed, which also happens to be the one used on the Dodge Viper. 0-60 mph happens in 4.2 seconds, on to a top speed of 270 km/h.

For the rest of the drivetrain, mods toward safety and reliabilty are permitted, such as bigger competition brakes and coilover suspensions. Other suspension components remain OEM pieces. Like any other race car, the Zakspeed 300C is lightened as much as possible and then equipped with an approved rollcage.

Across the European continent, it’s already a given to see Mercedes, Audi and BMW racers in most racing series. TV scenes of American cars like the Zakspeed 300C mixing it up with the rest of the big boys is a refreshing sight for enthusiasts bored with seeing the same old cars.